A disproportionate number of missing persons are Black - as high as 40% - while Black individuals make up only 13% of the population in the country (Source: National Crime Information Center). ​​According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, nearly 40% of missing children are Black, despite Black children making up only about 14% of the child population. Only 7% of these cases receive media coverage compared to their white counterparts, leaving many families without the visibility and resources needed to bring their loved ones’ home.​

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The Minnesota Missing and Murdered African American Women Task Force (MMAAW) reported that in 2019 nationally between, 64,000-75,000 Black women and girls were missing. As of November 2024, that number is estimated to be over 100,000, even though Black women and girls make up just 15% of the U.S. female population.

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​​​​Studies show that there is a “racial bias” and “patterns of discrimination” in relation to media coverage and law enforcement support for missing Black individuals. These cases often go under-reported by law enforcement who in many cases dismissively label these missing Black women and girls as "runaways" or "involved in criminal activity," which leads to the misconception that they are not in danger. That is far from the truth. ​Factors like sex trafficking, domestic violence, and societal biases like the adultification of Black youth, contribute to their cases receiving less urgency or attention.​

 

The media has “Missing White Woman Syndrome” when it comes to the equitable coverage provided for missing white women verses when the missing person is Black. "Missing White Woman Syndrome" – a phrase coined by Gwen Ifill, a television newscaster and journalist, to describe the media feeding frenzy when attractive, middle class-looking white women suddenly disappear.​​

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Black people are four times more likely to be reported missing but are the focus of disproportionately few public appeals. This clear discrepancy prompts an unnerving feeling of helplessness among our communities. We are actively working to change that by implementing the Ebony Alert Initiative for Washington State.​

 

We call upon the support of the community to assist us in the implementation of the Ebony Alert initiative. This dedicated alert system will ensure that the search for missing Black individuals becomes a top safety priority and will assist in dispelling the current racial disparities evident in missing persons cases.

 

​We urgently need this alert system not only to protect the vulnerable from vanishing without a trace but to provide resources, hope and comfort to friends and family members in despair when their loved ones go missing. It is imperative that we take the initiative to better our community and come together in collaboration for The Ebony Alert to bring to legislation.​

 

Please support us in bringing equity and justice for the Black community; sign our petition and help us implement the Ebony Alert Initiative.​Thank you for the support and please share the petition on your websites, social media, and with your with your community, family, and friends.